“Brilliant but brutal.” That used to be Brian Moore’s verdict on the French. His printable verdict, anyway. Moore, who would give readings from Henry V in the England dressing room before matches with France, was usually a bit more blunt. Winding up the France front row before and during the match was as much part of the former hooker’s job as picking out Martin Bayfield at the lineout.

Moore was getting wistful this week. “It’s the only game that still makes me want to be on the field,” he tweeted. “Have to settle for chanting ‘France, France, France — Kill, Kill, Kill.’